SORA and Sandalwood have brought InterContinental Hotels Groupin to manage the property with the Holiday Inn Express brand, oneof several brands IHG manages. All necessary approvals are expectedshortly, and construction is expected to start in the fall with anopening planned for late 2009. The property, located at the cornerof Route 322 and Rowan Blvd., will have meeting space accommodating250 people, a business center, high-speed wireless Internet and afull-service restaurant.

"When we decided to take on this redevelopment, we knew we wouldbe taking on a challenge," says Tom Fore, a principal of SORAHoldings. "We're excited by the potential of the Rowan Blvd.project, and we now have a commitment in the hotel project inmoving forward."

Councilman Hector Cabezas says "the hotel is part of the firstphase of the Rowan Blvd. project. This month, we will make anothersignificant announcement and thereafter will be well on ourway."